Received Form 16/16A? Here’s What You Must Do Before Filing ITR 2025

Last Updated:June 07, 2025, 10:52 IST

Incorrect TDS reporting can lead to tax mismatches, refund delays, or notices from the Income Tax Department.

ITR Filing 2025: The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing season is underway following the reinstatement of form utilities. Salaried taxpayers are advised to await their Form 16 or Form 16A, the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) certificates that enable them to calculate their tax liabilities for the financial year. These are issued by employers.

Understanding Form 16 and Form 16A is crucial for both deductors and taxpayers. These forms serve as vital proof of TDS and are essential for accurate and efficient ITR filing.

For Taxpayers: Ensuring Accuracy Before ITR Filing

Follow these tips:

Collect a Valid Form 16/16A: Obtain Form 16 or 16A from your employer or deductor. Ensure it is generated from TRACES; no substitutes are acceptable.

Verify TDS Details: Cross-check the TDS information in Form 26AS or the Annual Information Statement (AIS) against your Form 16/16A to ensure accuracy.

Avoid ITR Filing Errors: Accurate forms and verified data prevent notices from the Income Tax Department and ensure timely refunds.

For Deductors: Maintaining Compliance and Avoiding Penalties

Key points to remember:

Report All PANs Correctly: Ensure accurate reporting of all Permanent Account Numbers (PANs) for the financial year to prevent mismatches and penalties.

Match PAN Count: Verify the number of reported PANs against the previous year’s data. File corrections for any discrepancies.

File Correct and Complete Reports: Accurate reporting is crucial for deductees’ tax credits. Errors can delay or impact their refunds or liabilities.

Use TRACES Website Only: Generate Form 16/16A exclusively from the TRACES portal. This ensures accurate reflection of deductee details in their ITR.

Incorrect TDS reporting can lead to tax mismatches, refund delays, or notices from the Income Tax Department. Adhering to the official TRACES process, whether deducting or receiving TDS, ensures transparency and streamlines the e-filing process.

Varun Yadav

Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst…Read More

Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst… Read More

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